This handout is a guide to library resources in the J. Murrey Atkins Library at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, intended to help students find sources of criticism on literature (long fiction, short fiction, poetry, and drama) by American authors. The guide explains important reference sources in the Atkins library reference collection and how to find biographical and critical information in books and periodicals. The guide is organized in six sections: (1) General Reference Books (for any author and all forms of literature); (2) Books (on individual authors and their work); (3) Reference Works (criticism, and bibliographies and checklists); (4) Periodical Indexes; (5) Book Reviews; and (6) Periodicals and Serials List (PASL). (SR)